AFB Langebaanweg to host first Western Cape airshow since 2015

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When the gates at AFB Langebaanweg open to the public on Saturday, December 9, it will be the first time in more than two years that an airshow takes place in Western Cape.

The Langebaanweg airshow is an integral part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the SA Air Force’s (SAAF) Silver Falcons aerobatic team and enthusiasts will be able to see virtually all the types operated by the air force.

The last airshow to be staged in Western Cape was at Stellenbosch in April 2015. SAAF participation included the Super Lynx, Silver Falcons and Gripen from 2 Squadron at AFB Makhado in Limpopo. Prior to that there was an aborted attempted to mount a Wings ‘n’ Wheels show at AFB Ysterplaat in November 2013 and prior to that military aviation aficionados in Western Cape had two Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibitions at AFB Ysterplaat in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

The provisional line-up for Langebaanweg includes the Pilatus PC-7s of the Silver Falcons and others of the type used as training aircraft at Central Flying School; Oryx, Super Lynx and Agusta 109 helicopters; Cessna C-208, CASA C212, C47-TP and C-130 transport aircraft as well as the jet pride of the SAAF, its Gripens and Hawks. The actual number of aircraft to take part will only be known closer to the airshow date.

Civilian aircraft mooted to be at the Western Cape air force base on December 9 are the Puma Flying Lions Harvards; RV7, RV8 and RV9 flying Raptors; Aero L-39 Albatross; Extra 300; Boeing 737-800; Slick 540; Atlas Impala Mk1; Antonov AN-2; Diamond DV20 Katana, Eurocopter EC145 and, from Working on Fire, a Huey, AT-802 and Cessna C-206. Show organisers are also expecting to have skydivers and radio-controlled aircraft present.

Static displays of aircraft and classic cars will be complemented by the Silver Falcons stand where the public will be able to meet and interact with members of team 81.
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